With another pre-release version of the next Windows 10 update, 19H1, in the Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 18356, Microsoft introduces yet another novelty after a bright design for Windows and the alleviation of Specter patch performance: app mirroring of Android smartphones.

The build 18356, which was initially only released in the Fast Ring of the Windows Insider program, offers users the option of mirroring the content of their own Android smartphone on Windows via their smartphone app and also using it via the Windows PC. Prerequisite for this is basically at least Android 7.x Nougat, a PC with Bluetooth support as well as the smartphone app from version 1.0.20701.0. However, the new feature will not immediately be available to all participants in the Windows Insider program with Build 18356, but will be rolled out incrementally over the coming weeks, even among them.

To start many restrictions

In addition, Microsoft limits the new feature for the time being on a few device. For example, the Surface Go will be the first Surface device to support the feature. Which and whether other devices initially offer the function, Microsoft does not clearly stated, the support should, however, be steadily expanded. In addition, initially only a few smartphones from Samsung will be able to use the feature, namely the Samsung Galaxy S8, S8 +, S9 and S9 +. Microsoft demonstrates the possibility even with a Samsung Galaxy S9 +. The smartphone must be in the Bluetooth range of the PC to use the function and connected to the same network as the Windows computer.

Serving the Android Smartphone in Windows (Image: Microsoft)

Still some problems with the use

Among other things, Microsoft calls the known problems that the sound of smartphone apps is not spent on the PC, but still only on the smartphone, touch inputs on the PC do not work and some games do not provide mouse support. Even a double-click may lead to unintentional opening of notifications on the smartphone.

Creative X-Fi sound cards and anti-cheat games with problems

In addition to further debugging the new Preview Build, this has problems with Creative's X-Fi sound cards that are not working properly. However, Microsoft is working with Creative on a solution. Even games with anti-cheat software can still lead to crashes of the Windows 10 preview.